As the sun set over Fall River on the night of September 19, 2023, the atmosphere in the city hall was charged with anticipation. Candidates for mayor and city council gathered, each hoping to make their mark in a preliminary election that would shape the future of the community. With a total of 22 candidates vying for attention, the stakes were high, yet the turnout was disappointingly low.

During the meeting, officials discussed the evolving landscape of campaigning, particularly the impact of social media. One participant noted that while platforms like Facebook can amplify a candidate's message, they also complicate the process. "Everyone's got a camera," they remarked, highlighting the dual-edged nature of modern campaigning. The conversation shifted to the importance of responsible media consumption, as misinformation can easily spread in the digital age.

The preliminary election featured three candidates for mayor and 19 for city council, with 16 candidates participating in the coverage provided by Fall River Government TV. This initiative aimed to give candidates a platform to share their visions directly with voters. The discussions revealed common themes among candidates, including public safety, housing, and economic development. With a budget of $300 million, candidates emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, echoing the sentiments of taxpayers who seek value for their money.

Public safety emerged as a pressing concern, with candidates advocating for a fully staffed police department. Currently, the city is down about 30 officers, a situation that has raised alarms among residents and officials alike. The conversation touched on the challenges of recruitment, with candidates noting that while funding is available, the number of recruits has dwindled. This shift has made it difficult to maintain a robust police presence, which many believe is essential for community safety.

As the meeting progressed, the first precinct results began to trickle in. Mayor Paul Coogan led with 52 votes, followed by Sam Sutter with 38 and Michael Bridal with 4. In the city council race, incumbents dominated the early numbers, but the overall turnout was disheartening. Election Commissioner Ryan Lyons expressed frustration, noting that the turnout was unlikely to reach even 16%, a stark contrast to previous decades when thousands of votes were cast.

This preliminary election marked a significant moment for Fall River, being the first since 2015 to include city council candidates. However, the lack of voter engagement raised questions about the community's interest in local governance. As the night unfolded, it became clear that while the candidates were passionate and dedicated, the challenge of mobilizing voters remains a critical hurdle for the future of Fall River's political landscape.